Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
The Full Moon Eclipse on 4/5th July will be the last in the current series of eclipses. We are in intense times, having just experienced three eclipses in only 5 weeks. Altogether 2020 brings us 6 eclipses, which is rare and points to the transformative power of this year.
Delight Community Post: Our Anti-Racism Resources
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
We have been working hard on how we can best take action as a yoga school to create diversity and inclusion in the wellness space. The first step is to educate ourselves and then share our knowledge with others - we asked our beautiful community for help with this. This is a list of articles, books, documentaries, and lectures that have helped Delight learn about racism, white supremacy, and diversity in both the yoga industry and our world.
Black Lives Matter Solidarity Statement
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
Delight Yoga stands in solidarity with Black communities and the Black Lives Matter movement.
New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Cancer
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Eclipse season is always a time of profound transformation – and we are moving through extremely intense and powerful times. Having experienced the Full Moon Eclipse at the beginning of June, which asked us to release what isn’t serving us and shed our old skins like a snake being reborn, we will now witness a New Moon Eclipse on June 21st.
Healing in Action: A dialogue with Kevin Sahaj
Wisdom by Anne-Sophie Eckert
Kevin Sahaj is a dedicated yoga practitioner who has been studying and practising yoga for 30 years. His approach to teaching is eclectic and draws from many different methods and teachings to help students align their lives towards awakening. He is the life partner of Katiza Satya; together they lead the Delight Yoga Teacher training programmes and offer guidance for the spiritual direction of the school. I recently held a virtual interview with Sahaj - read on to learn more about his diverse background, his experience teaching Healing Yoga, relationship with Ayurveda, and personal philosophies.
Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
With the Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius taking place on the 5th of June, we are entering into eclipse season! Eclipses are said to bring profound transformation, opening a portal for accelerated evolution. While we usually experience four eclipses a year, 2020 will feature six eclipses – highlighting the deep transformation we are going through this year. So fasten your seatbelts, the rollercoaster ride isn’t over... And when we come out on the other side of these first eclipses in July, we will feel completely renewed.
Delight Yoga's Favourite Sanskrit Words
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
Sanskrit, the most ancient of human languages, is also known as ‘Devanagari’, which literally translated means ‘language of the gods’. Since the Sanskrit words are the actual sound manifestations, we use them when chanting.
New Moon in Gemini
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
As the sun moves from the grounded Earth sign Taurus into the light Air sign Gemini on May 20th, we might feel a real energetic shift. A mutable sign, Gemini is said to be very flexible and adaptable – and moves fast. The New Moon in Gemini on May 22nd brings the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle. The symbol for Gemini is the twins, and this duality represents exchange and interaction. Communication, exchange of ideas, trade, and technology are highlighted during this time – and the Gemini New Moon brings the opportunity to set intentions in these areas.
Meditation & Mantra: Let Go of Fear and Find Peace
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
A meditation and mantra to let go of fear in oneself and to help others who have died to find peace.
Super Full Moon in Scorpio
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
In the middle of Taurus season, the Full Moon on May 7th falls in the deep, dark waters of Scorpio. It is the third and last in a series of Super Full Moons, where the moon’s orbit is at its closest proximity to the Earth. A full moon always amplifies our emotions and draws whatever we are feeling to the surface.
New Moon in Taurus
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Taurus season has started, bringing us the New Moon in Taurus on the 23rd of April. After the beautiful Super Full Moon in Libra two weeks ago, this New Moon falls in Taurus – the other zodiac sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and the divine feminine – gifting us even more heart-centred energy. An Earth sign, Taurus season coincides with a time centred around blossoming as nature fully reawakens in spring.
Super Full Moon in Libra
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
In the midst of Aries season and the turbulent times we are moving through, the Full Moon in Libra on April 8th brings our relationships into focus. A Super Full Moon, it is very close to the Earth and it will be the brightest full moon of the year. It shines its message clearly – that we are all in this together.
Delight's Top 10 Movies to Watch While Staying Home
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
The current challenges the world is facing are difficult for us all - but the measures asking us to stay home also offer a beautiful opportunity to expand our minds and learn about the world. Delight Yoga asked its community which movies, documentaries, and short films have inspired them along their yogic journeys.
Delight's Top 10 Books to Read While Staying Home
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
In the midst of the preventative measures placed by governments around the world, many of us are finding ourselves at home with the time and space to rediscover activities we were previously too busy for - reading being one perfect example. Delight Yoga asked its teachers, hosts, and team members which books have inspired them along their yogic journeys.
New Moon in Aries
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
Just a few days after the Spring Equinox, the New Moon in Aries occurs on the 24th of March. We are now beginning a new astrological year - Aries being the first sign of the zodiac as we enter into spring. Aries is the child of the zodiac and as a fire sign, it is all about initiating, moving forward, and fresh beginnings.
How to respond to the current climate of fear
Wisdom by Satya Katiza & Kevin Sahaj
How to respond to the current climate of fear We are living in a very interesting time in the world right now - with so many possibilities for positive growth and collective conscious evolution. There is an increasing awareness of our world as one unified planet, where borders and ideological differences are becoming less and less important and people are waking up and realizing that we are all together in this beautiful blue paradise spinning through space.
Full Moon in Virgo
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
In the midst of the dreamy waters of Pisces season, the Full Moon in Virgo on March 9th will help us to find solid ground again. As the Full Moon always falls into the opposite sign of the one the Sun is in, we are invited to come back into balance. While Pisces energy is mystical, dreamy, and out-there, Virgo is known for being very grounded, practical, and organised.
New Moon in Pisces
Wisdom by Simona Schimanovich
This month's New Moon falls in the sign of Pisces on Sunday, February 23rd. Ruled by the planet Neptune, which guides our spiritual evolution, Pisces is a water sign that is fluid, emotional, and intuitive.
Full Moon in Leo
Wisdom by Delight Yoga
Learn how to start following the cycle of the moon and tune into the natural rise and fall of energy each month. Our yoga practice allows us to return to a natural, relaxed, and inspired state so that we can take fresh energy in and release what no longer serves us. When we tune in to natural cycles, we can support this process further, which is why being aware of eclipses, full moons, and times of the day can help our practice.
Diving into The Bhagavad Gita: The Yoga of The Supreme Being (Chapter 15)
Wisdom by Sjoerd Dragtsma
When I received this chapter of the Gita I felt joy and an excitement to get involved with this chapter again. It describes the very ultimate realization of Creation, the Source of all manifestation, the Absolute as a direct experience while having a human body.
Diving into The Bhagavad Gita: The three modes of material Nature (Chapter 14)
Wisdom by Jonas Nathan
The Bhagavad Gita for me is all about finding the connection with God. For many of us, God is still connected with religion and some of us can have some resistance towards God. But once we start to separate God from any religion, we can start to work with a God that works in our spiritual practice. A God of your understanding or you can call it your higher power. This can be anything as long as it’s bigger than you.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness (Chapter 13)
Wisdom by Eric Weber
We can imagine poor Arjuna! Who founds himself back admit a battlefield struggling with his destiny. Maybe he can not do what is been asked from him to do, namely to kill his family, friends, and mentors in battle. The family fight escalated and the fight for power has come to its climax. Poor Arjuna must fight and still, he resists. Can he duck the responsibility of karma? Choose another outcome? Is he, Arjuna, not a hero? Why not resist as an ultimate test? Maybe he can change the course of history by refusing to fight. On his knees, he is begging for mercy on his fate.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Devotional Service, Bhakti Yoga and the way of Love (Chapter 12)
Wisdom by Daniel Maciejewski
How to come closest to Krishna consciousness and what to do to obtain that, is the key message of this month’s theme, the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna says: “Still your mind in me, still your intellect in me, and without doubt, you will be united with me forever. If you cannot still your mind in me, learn to do so through a regular practice of meditation. If you lack the will for such self-discipline, engage yourself in my work, for selfless service can lead you at least to complete fulfilment. If you are unable to do even this, surrender yourself to me, disciplining yourself and renouncing the results of all your actions.”
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: To see the all within the one (Chapter 11)
Wisdom by Coen Van der Kroon
To see the all within the one How to be(come) an Ayurveda-Arjuna… Arjuna speaks to Krishna: "Pasyami devams tava deva dehe sarvams tatha bhuta-visesa-sanghan brahmanam isam kamalasana-stham rsims ca sarvan uragams ca divyan" "Now I see all the divine forms in you. The Rishis are in you. All the Sages of the Universe, I see them all. And I see no beginning, no end, or no middle. Every form in the Universe is your form." - The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11, verse 15
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Yoga of Hidden Treasure (Chapter 9)
Wisdom by Reinier Dorrepaal
While knowledge of the self (selfless action or karma yoga) is revealed in the first six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, knowledge of the union of the self through devotion in love (devotional yoga or bhakti yoga) is revealed in chapters seven to twelve. Krishna begins Chapter 9 with three verses to draw Arjuna’s undivided attention because the knowledge he is going to reveal is very important; it is the ‘Hidden Treasure’.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Separating the Real from the Unreal (Chapter 8)
Wisdom by Rolandjan Van Mulligen
Chapter 8, Verse 315 Krishna talking to Arjuna: "At the time of leaving the body if anyone thinks of Me, definitely, he attains Me." (Chapter 8, Verse 315) The story of the Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where two sides of a family are preparing for battle. The conversation involves two characters: Krishna and Arjuna. Krishna represents our True Self and Arjuna represents the human identification with body and mind (ego).
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Knowledge of the Absolute (Chapter 7)
Wisdom by Peter Roussel
The practitioner in yoga strives to understand the right action, this is the theme in Hatha Yoga and Bakhti Yoga as it is in the epic story of Arjuna, the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is compiled from stories dating from before Christ and up to about 600 years after His death. Many edits by those in power have incorporated developing ideas of society and of how to understand life.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: The True Yoga (Chapter 6)
Wisdom by Jurre Twijnstra
Chapter 6, Verse 34-53 Arjuna asks Krishna: “O Krishna the mind is flickering unstable, strong and stubborn. I think it is as difficult as to control the wind.” Krishna explains to Arjuna: “Without doubt Arjuna, the mind is difficult to curb and is restless but it can be controlled by constant practice and non-attachment.” Reading in the Bhagavad Gita brings me back into moments and places in India every time.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Action in Pure Awareness (Chapter 5)
Wisdom by Sido Wijga
Chapter 5, Verse 8-9 Krishna explains to Arjuna: “The knower of the truth thinks “I do not do anything at all” - though seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, moving about, sleeping, breathing, speaking, emptying, accepting, opening and closing of eyes. He is convinced that only the sense organs of the body are engaged in sense objects and the soul is actionless.”
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: The Battlefield (Chapter 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Chapter 2, verse 7 Arjuna speaks to Krishna: "Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of weakness. In this condition, I am asking You to tell me clearly what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me." This is the beginning of a new year's dive into the deep Yogic and spiritual treasure of the Bhagavad Gita.
The 13 lunar cycles: The 13th Moon in January (Part 13 of 13)
Wisdom by Satya Katiza
'You are — the moment you decide to Be' by Satya After a wonderful journey of 12 moons, here we are at this invisible gate entering the last moon cycle of the year “the 13th moon in January”. With a heart full of gratitude and wisdom gathered from all the different aspects we have learned and shared in our walk on earth moment by moment, deep in ourselves we feel the Yes! We are ready to Be!
The 13 lunar cycles: Give Praise (Part 12 of 13)
Wisdom by Daphne Luttger
Life is inevitably a process of learning and maybe at some point in life’s journey, you come to the realization of the necessity of unlearning or changing the habitual patterns that we call conditioning. The importance of change for growth and transformation. We all build our personalities on the experiences we have.
The 13 lunar cycles: Walk Tall, Woman (Part 11 of 13)
Wisdom by Patricia Veltri
The first time I heard the expression ‘She walks what she talks’ I was impressed by a powerful woman. She had so much integrity and coherence, she was so honest in the way she presented herself. With her, I understood the difference between being honest and carrying the truth. The truth has different aspects, can be seen from different perspectives. Be honest is to choose not to fake.
The 13 lunar cycles: Weaving the Web (Part 10 of 13)
Wisdom by Tianjin Lawless-Jennings
The Woman of the Tenth Moon Cycle weaves the creative web of life. She shows us that 'Mothers' come in many different forms: Aunt, Godmother, Guru, Friend. She is the special woman that you turn to for guidance, to steer you from the path of destruction, showing you the way back onto the path of creating and manifesting your dreams... of birthing your true potential through your creativity.
The 13 lunar cycles: shaping tomorrow's dream (Part 9 of 13)
Wisdom by Dolores Mae Höppener
The moon of September is the ninth moon cycle, the ninth month, that we share about the wisdom of the moon according to the native traditions. This moon is asking us to be aware that we are influencing tomorrow’s dreams; to be proactive to ensure the abundance of the future. The abundance of our children's children.
The 13 lunar cycles: She who heals (Part 8 of 13)
Wisdom by Victoria (Tory) Raven Hyndman
Theme of the Month August: She who heals by Victoria (Tory) Hyndman This month’s theme is about “She who heals”. When we look at “she who heals`’, is this an individual like a mother, a grand-mother, an energy of the Divine Mother or perhaps our true mirror? There is a girl, a woman really. She is standing on a bridge, one we all come to at some point in life.
The 13 lunar cycles: Intimacy with all that is (Part 7 of 13)
Wisdom by Katka Jacz
Theme of the Month July: Intimacy with all that is by Katka Jacz To be at home with yourself and the world around you, happy and intimate with whatever is. Those of you who have had this experience know this is a possibility. But to live like this more constantly, is this possible?
The 13 lunar cycles: Storyteller (Part 6 of 13)
Wisdom by Lidewij Severins
Theme of the Month June: Storyteller She who speaks the Truth by Lidewij Severins The Moon of June represents the woman who speaks the Truth. She who shares from her heart; truthfully, concise and clear. Through stories, we learn to have faith, to be humble and to keep our innocence.
The 13 lunar cycles: Listen to your inner voice (Part 5 of 13)
Wisdom by Martine van Beusekom
Listen to your Inner Voice Every month the theme of the month is inspired by the book 'The 13 Clan Mothers', in which the writer, Jamie Sams, shares her Native American wisdom on what the moon teaches us, all 13 moons have their own teaching, helping us to Truth. Martine wrote about what the 5th moon brings us.
The 13 lunar cycles: 'Looks far Woman' (Part 4 of 13)
Wisdom by Ira Hardjosusono
Living the Mandala of Life. First of all, I’m grateful and happy to have been asked to write about the theme of the 4th April moon. Inspired by the many stories of women on the path, I started writing directly from the heart, inviting you to join me to go back in time.
The 13 lunar cycles: Weighs the truth (Part 3 of 13)
Wisdom by Ingeborg Timmerman
She who sees the truth The third moon of the year teaches us that truth has many different faces. We need to look at all sides of a situation to find out what is real and accept this truth although we may not like it. It teaches us that we can find our own personal truth by seeing and accepting the consequences of our actions and life experience. We need to look at what we can learn from our deeds.
The 13 lunar cycles: Wisdom Keeper (Part 2 of 13)
Wisdom by Alixe van Ogtrop
As honoring nature's rhythms and cycles connect us more easily with our own True Nature, we will write about the 13 lunar cycles. This year 13 women have been asked to write about the 13 lunar cycles. I have been asked to write about the second moon of the year with the theme 'Wisdom Keeper'.
The 13 lunar cycles: Talks with Relations (Part 1 of 13)
Wisdom by Kristin Vikjord Paternotte
NATURE “Weaving the rhythms of the seasons, She rides the Winds of Change” I was born under the Aurora Borealis. Under the dancing Lights of winter. I grew up in moonlit darkness. In the land of the midnight sun, a land where the sun never sets. Where the silence is more still than the first stillness. And time is present, like moments that never pass. Blue hours of vastness. Raw. Pure. Where heaven meets earth in winds as wild as your wildest dreams.
The Niyamas: Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the divine
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the divine The theme of this month is Ishvara Pranidhana, the last one in the series of niyamas. Ishvara refers to God, and Pranidhana generally means self-surrender. Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of self-surrender in deep contemplation on the eternal source of all. In the practice of Ishvara Pranidhana, we let go of our thoughts, beliefs and ideas.
The Niyamas: Svadhyaya - Studying the Self
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Svadhyaya - Studying the Self The theme of the month is Svadhyaya, the fourth of the niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The term Svadhyaya stems from the words Sva (Self or Soul) and Shyaya, which comes from dhyia (to meditate, study or contemplate) and so Svadhyaya means Studying the Self. DJ Khaled would call this a Holy Key, as knowing your Self, and being your Self, is what yoga is all about.
The Niyamas: Tapas - Inner Fire and Selfless Love
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
TĀPAS Inner Fire & Selfless Love Tāpas, the third of the niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, has been translated into English as heat, spiritual austerities, self-discipline and inner fire. Through Tāpas, mastery of the body, mind and senses can be achieved. Think of Tāpas as a flame inside of you, which motivates you and keeps you on track with what is really important in life.
The Niyamas: Santosha - Contentment
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: SANTOSHA - Contentment This month we focus on the practice of Santosha, developing contentment and equanimity of mind. I believe the first time I heard the word equanimity was during my first vipassana retreat. The teacher, S.N. Goenka, was speaking about it a lot. He told me that I should keep a calm, content and equanimous mind, no matter what the circumstances may be.
The Niyamas: Saucha - purity, cleanliness and clearness
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Saucha - purity, cleanliness and clearness When I first heard about the niyamas as being the rules of yoga, I was not a fan. I never liked rules and I had a slight tendency of breaking them. Luckily, over the years my perception changed, and I began to understand that the niyamas are not meant as rules that you simply must follow to be a good person. I began to appreciate them as spiritual, mystical and yet very practical guidelines for a happy life. And I love being happy.
The Yamas: Aparigraha - Non-attachment
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Aparigraha - Non-attachment I will reflect on the fifth and last Yama: Aparigraha. The Yamas, “the don’ts”, are considered the natural laws of Yoga and thus Aparigraha is one of the five essential restraints. The word Aparigraha stems from the word parigrah which means ‘to crave’, ‘to seek’ and 'to seize’ possessions. It not only means the action but also includes the intent; the attitude of craving and possessiveness.
The Yamas: Brahmacharya - Follow the Universal self inside
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Brahmacharya - follow the universal self ride I will reflect on the fourth Yama “Brahmacharya”. The Yamas are an integral part of the path of Yoga and are seen as the natural laws of life which are guiding our action, words and thoughts.
The Yamas: Asteya - Non-stealing
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Asteya - Non stealing I'll be continuing my exploration of the Yamas, which are seen as the natural laws of Yoga and apply to all aspects of life, including restraints in one's actions, words and thoughts. This time we will reflect on the third Yamas, "Asteya", which translates to "non-stealing".
The Yamas: Satya - Truthfulness
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Satya - Truthfulness I’ll be writing about the five Yamas, an integral part of the eightfold path of Yoga. The Yamas are seen as the natural laws of Yoga which apply broadly in life and include self-restraints in one's action, words and thoughts. We’ll be having a closer look at the second Yama “Satya” which translates to “Truthfulness”
The Yamas: Ahimsa - non violence, non harming
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Ahimsa - non violence, non harming Several weeks ago, my teacher, Katiza Satya asked me to write the Theme of the Month for the first months of 2017. I was asked to write about the five "Yamas", one of the limbs of the eightfold path of Yoga. The Yamas are seen as the natural laws of Yoga which apply broadly in life and include self-restraints in one's action, words and thoughts. In January we start with "Ahimsa" which literally means "do not harm".
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 4 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 4 of 4) Mudra, Bandha and Kundalini Energy udghāṭayetkapāṭaṃ tu yathā kuṃchikayā haṭhāt | kuṇḍalinyā tathā yoghī mokṣhadvāraṃ vibhedayet || 105 || As a door is opened with a key, so the Yogî opens the door of mukti by opening Kuṇḍalinî by means of Haṭha Yoga.
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 3 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 3 of 4) Part 3. Pranayama practice according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika: athāsane dṝdhe yoghī vaśī hita-mitāśanaḥ | ghurūpadiṣhṭa-mārgheṇa prāṇāyāmānsamabhyaset || 1 ||
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 2 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 2 of 4) Asana practice according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The second chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika explains asana as the foundation of the Hatha Yoga training.
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 1 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
The purpose of Yoga according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika Hatha Yoga is the system of yoga we follow when we practice yoga asanas, pranayamas, bandhas etc. Any practice that involves these aspects is Hatha Yoga, every "style" of yoga you are practicing it is directly related to Hatha Yoga.
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 2 of 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 2 of 2) The way of the heart, devotion and sacred space. This month's theme from the Bhagavad Gita is a continuation of last months theme: the path of "Bhakti " yoga, the yoga of opening the heart in devotion.
Bhagavad Gita: Jñana Yoga, the Yoga of Knowledge
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Jñāna Yoga, the yoga of knowledge This month's theme from the Bhagavad Gita is the path of jñāna yoga, or the yoga of knowledge. jñāna is not knowledge in the same way we normally understand the word. jñāna is like a fire that burns away that which is not true.
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 1 of 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhakti Yoga The path of Bhakti Yoga is described in the Gita as the quickest and most powerful of the paths of Yoga. The whole of the Bhagavad-gītā is a dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita: Karma Yoga
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Karma Yoga The first of the Yogas from the Bhagavad Gītā: Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga is the path to realization by acting selflessly in the world with the knowledge of our inherent interdependence with all things.